As the traffic over the telecommunication networks shifts from voice to data, the demand for higher capacity is putting a tremendous strain on the existing infrastructures. The optical fiber network installed in the 1980's to handle the steady increase in voice traffic is no longer able to support the new demand by simply increasing the transmission rates. With single channel data rates reaching 10 G-bit/sec, there is increasing difficulty pushing the transmission rates higher because of electronics limitations. The data rates required per single optical fibers is approaching 1000 G-bit/sec very quickly. To accommodate this large growth, new techniques are required to access the enormous bandwidth available of optical fibers. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is the technology of choice to tackle the future growth in data communications.

The research output of this activity during the past 20 years has made significant contributions to fibre-optic communications technology and has gained CRC an international reputation as a centre of excellence in this area. In addition, transfer of technology from the program has resulted in additional capabilities for Canadian industry and the creation of new product lines for a growing worldwide marketplace.

Currently, the research is focused on photosensitivity in optical waveguides and its use in the fabrication of a wide variety of passive devices. The principal application is passive components in optical communications, especially for WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing). The two principal thrusts in WDM are optical Add/Drop filters and chromatic dispersion compensation.

Another important element of this research activity is the exploitation of the fibre Bragg grating intellectual portfolio which generates important revenues for CRC. So far more than 25 licenses have been sold in Canada and internationally.

Further information:

Dr. Stephen J. Mihailov
Research Program Manager
Optical Communications and Electrophotonics
Tel: (613) 998-2721
Fax: (613) 993-7139
E-mail: stephen.mihailov@crc.gc.ca